In this day and age, people in the Philippines often do not get work in places across the country. To find a better life for them and their families, Filipinos venture out at sea and become seafarers. It's not easy to be away from family and remain in the deep blue ocean for weeks, months, some even years. Some fall prey to unscrupulous individuals who wouldn't bat an eyelash to not give them what's due them especially if they need government help, or lawyers to protect their rights (maritime or others) even if they are not in the country.
They need help, and this is where GOLD Foundation and maritime organizations come in. They just announced a concert for a cause called ALON Pagibig, Pangarap at Pagasa, slated this June 28th 6pm at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. This is headlined by one of the most popular bands in the country BEN&BEN, talented singer John Mark Saga and lovely female PPOP Group CALISTA.
Seafarer Cecilia Giron tells us about her experience at work and says "This is a very humbling type of work, I was a bit hesitant at first, but I was able to perform the job. When I went home, I was so thin and didn't encourage me to go back . 13 years in a cruise ship, and a few years more, fooled by our love story, but I didn't want to end my dream. I had to work for my daughter, and later asked to do the same work now. It only took 5 months to finish it."
Jebsen Gamido an awareness advocate in the maritime sector told us about those experiencing not just abuse, but even mental health concerns for those who are working on ships. There are tons of seafarers who are in the same shoes and hopefully it will also be highlighted at the ALON concert.
Cadet Jerimy Orquiza shared how he didn't want to become a seafarer, but since he worked in a maritime school, he was inspired about their stories and got interested with their lives, even if it means being away from their families so they could provide for their loved ones.
Marville Espagob of ISWAN shared how he had a great career, but it was hard for him mentally. The ALON concert is intended to help folks like him, and he will have a chance to talk about it in the show. They provide free helplines to understand them and their stories."
Ms. Lala Tolentino of The Mission to Seafarers adds "There has been no event that is like this to remind ourselves of love, welfare and hope. We support the family and seafarers around the world, no matter what the nationality, race or trust. We are recognizing them, they carry 90 percent of what you are wearing today. They are hidden workers, unseen, and this will make them be on the spotlight. Because they want to help their families, they set aside personal happiness because no matter what it seems, they deserve our recognition. The benefit concert will go to fund the mission for the seafarers and their families."
Gelo Ruiz who's directing the concert says "ALON will be a tribute born out of love. There are about 3 Million out there, and this is very personal for me because I am a son of a seafarer. This will be about their Stories, their Advocacies, and how we have better lives with their sacrifice. We are making ways to inspire people, and our program contains Ben&Ben, Kelvin Miranda, Calista, and John Mark Saga who will sing for one night. Every artist have their own story, it gives people hope. Calista will also showcase women empowerment with their numbers, and John Mark has real seafarer family members. We hope you get to support us on June 28th!"
Expecting a whopping 7000 attendees, they are still looking for partners, you may reach them on their social channels and email too. Tickets available at ticket2me.net and it will be held at the Ninoy Aquino stadium in Manila. Make sure you bring along your seafarer family members, friends and everyone.
John Mark Saga is a seafarer's son and says even the poster tells a lot about growing up without his father on his side. He got to pursue his dreams because of his father's sacrifice which he wasn't able to do in the past.
Calista says "It's an honor to be part of this big movement about seafarers and their families, it's a responsibility to represent the women and we have been advocating empowerment even those who are on board. With ALON, and our music, we hope it touches hearts for those who work in the industry. We will support them, and their dreams as seafarers too."
Calista had their concert years back to help frontliners and medical professionals, this time they're doing it for seafarers which is a very noble thing to do.
It's an important advocacy, for the seafarers and their families. If you want to do the same, go support them in the concert. Tickets will surely sell out fast because concerts like this cost more on a normal day. They plan to give the proceeds to organizations that help seafarers with legal, medical and mental needs. Get tickets via Ticket2Me.net and watch the event at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium because it's going to be one fun night!
